top ten

American  

Or top 10

plural noun

1. the ten most popular songs, records, movies, etc., during a specific period.

2. the ten best or highest ranked persons, places, or items in a group or category.

---

adjective

1. pertaining to, constituting, or being among the top ten.

   a top ten resort.

Etymology

Origin of top ten

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Practically all pistachios grown in the country come from California, which it lists as a top ten agriculture commodity in the state worth over $2.2 billion.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

The BlackRock fund has a more diverse mix, with Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Samsung, Microsoft, BP and CVS among the top ten holdings.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

It was among six out of 2025’s top ten reality shows on streaming services that featured contestants living in a house together, like in “Million Dollar Secret” and “Beast Games.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The World Health Organization has described Nipah in its top ten priority diseases, along with pathogens like Covid-19 and Zika, because of its potential to trigger an epidemic.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Sherman and O’Dell were in the top ten.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam